If you
really want to feel safe within your home, buy a home
security system monitored by professionals. In the
long run, this option is more reliable and less
expensive than a protection-trained dog. A
protection trained dog is trained to bite
on direct command or in reaction to direct physical
assault on his master.
In contrast
to the protection-trained dog, the "deterrent
dog" dissuades the vast majority of aspiring
burglars, rapists, and assailants by his presence, his
appearance, and his demeanor. Seeing such dog, the
potential wrong-doer simply decides to look for an
easier victim elsewhere. For this job, all that is needed is a
dog that is large and that appears to be well-trained
and unafraid. Any large dog can serve this role
admirably, with the added assets of a shaggy
"bestial" appearance adding to the impression
of formidability and fearsomeness.
If the dog has been
taught to bark a few times on command, such as
"Fang, watch him!" rather than "Fang,
speak for a cookie," this skill can be useful to
augment the deterrent effect.
DON'T
BUY A DOG IF YOU ARE NOT
WILLING TO COMMIT YOURSELF
FOR THE DOG'S ENTIRE LIFETIME.
No dog
deserves to be cast out because:
his
owners want to move to a no-pet apartment
he is no
longer a cute puppy
he
didn't grow up to be a beauty contest winner
his
owners through lack of leadership and training have
allowed him to become an unruly juvenile delinquent
with a repertoire of undesirable behaviors.
The
prospects of a responsible and affectionate second home
for a "used" dog are never very bright, but
they are especially dim for a poorly mannered dog.
A dog
dumped into a Pound or Shelter has almost no chance of
survival -- unless he has the great good fortune to be
of discernable heritage and spotted by someone dedicated
to Breed Rescue.
Be sure to contact your
local Breed club or Rescue group if you are diagnosed as
terminally ill or have other equally valid reasons for
seeking an adoptive home.
Be sure to contact your local
breed club if you are beginning to have difficulties in
training your dog, so these can be resolved.
Be sure to
make arrangements in your will or with your family to
ensure continued care or an adoptive home for your dog
if you should pre-decease him.
The life span of a dog is from about 8-18 years. If that
seems too long a time for you to give an unequivocal
loyalty to your dog, then please do not get one!
In Conclusion
If all the preceding "bad news"
about dogs hasn't turned you away from the breed, then
by all means DO GET A DOG! Now begins the hard
part, choosing which breed will grace your company.
If buying a puppy, be sure to shop carefully for a responsible
breeder. One who places high priority on
breeding for sound temperament and trainability, and
good health in all breedings. Such a breeder will
interrogate and educate potential buyers carefully. Such
a breeder will continue to be available for advice and
consultation for the rest of the dog's life and will
insist on receiving the dog back if ever you are unable
to keep it.
As an alternative to buying a puppy, you may want to
give some serious consideration to adopting a rescued
dog. Almost all dogs in breed rescue have proven to be
readily rehabilitated so as to become superb family
companions for responsible and affectionate adopters.
Many rescuers are skilled trainers who evaluate
temperament and provide remedial training before
offering dogs for placement, and who offer continued
advisory support afterwards. Contact local breeders or
breed club members to learn who is doing rescue work.
